You will be aware that healthcare costs are high in the USA. I have explained that a number of times including this post on health insurance which has some useful explanations.
However, you may not believe me when I say some of theses numbers so I have decided to explain a recent health issue that we went through with Mrs BritSimon. I’ll explain, what happened, what insurance we have and then show some pictures of the bills that are rolling in. All this in an attempt to show you how important it is to get good coverage and also understand the eye watering costs that could come from a simple healthcare issue.
So a few weeks ago my wife woke up with a severe case of vertigo. That is a feeling of dizziness, a problem often caused by an ear infection or other issue affecting the balance. My wife was unable to stand at all. Our house has three levels so two flights of stairs.
In the UK, I would have called the doctor, the doctor would have come to the house, or if needed an ambulance would have been sent and trained paramedics would have treated her in the house or safely removed her down the stairs. But this is the USA, and whilst you would think healthcare would be the best in the world (because they pay more than any country in the world per capita for healthcare), here is what happened.
I called the doctor and asked what I should do. My doctor could not treat that sort of condition so advised me to get Mrs B to an emergency room. I had to pick her up and carry her down the stairs and put her in my car. I’m 51 years old and thankfully she only weighs about 130 pounds!
Once at the emergency room weย were sent to a private room. Getting seen was relatively quick – in the UK a similar unscheduled visitย to an ER would have resulted in a wait of an hour or two. ย However, once in the ER room we did wait. We waited to see doctors, we waited for tests, we waited for a scan. In the end we were there around 5 hours, maybe 6. NHS in England would have ended up about the same. The range of available tests in the UK would have been the same. The diagnosis was inconclusive but they at least ruled out scary things like a stroke etc. During the visit she was given a drug (sedative) to relax her (a common treatment for vertigo).
OK – so about my insurance. I get cover through my employer, and my plan is considered very good coverage. As you can see below, my healthcare benefits about $22,000 a year to cover myself, my wife and my daughter for health, dental, and vision. I pay $3800 through a deduction in my salary, the company pays a little over $18,000 a year. Expensive huh. However, that does not mean I get no bills in the event of needing treatment. I was expecting bills – and they have just started arriving.
I have already received a couple of small bills where I have to pay $200/300.ย Those were bills for minor services while at theย ER. ย Then today I got the bill for the emergency room treatment. As you can see the cost for a few hours in an ER for a minor issue isย over $22,000. I have to pay $1100 of that as well as the other few hundred dollars I already mentioned.
So please understand. You do not want to under estimate the cost of healthcare. Do not be without insurance.ย If you have some savings, it can quickly be wiped out by a medical bill.
March 22, 2016 at 05:51
hello thanks for the insight, my only question is how would someone say a freelancer basically someone who has no company to pay there insurance, how would you go about it, and what would be the estimated cost of insurance per month thanks.
March 22, 2016 at 05:58
For that scenario you would take an ACA plan via the healthcare.gov site. You can get quotes there….
March 22, 2016 at 06:00
thanks
March 22, 2016 at 08:26
This is something that’s always perturbed me. One can be well off and have loads in savings yet one medical catastrophe can wipe you out quickly.
I find the sheer amount of providers and all their sub schemes so overwhelming and confusing. How do you go about figuring out which one to be under and which will give you good coverage without suddenly dropping you when you most need them?
March 22, 2016 at 14:46
ACA (Obamacare) has helped make sure that providers can’t drop you for random things. Choosing one of the “big” companies is important of course and if you are working with plans offered by your employer then you ask around to see what your co-workers are using and whether they are happy or not.
March 22, 2016 at 09:29
Hi Brit,
This is a very helpful post, as an Australian living in London the cost of healthcare in the States is mindbogglingly astronomical – it’s actually quite hard to comprehend how they can cost up services that high.
May I ask, roughly how much can we expect to pay per month for comprehensive healthcare and is it to the same standard as Aus/UK?
Cheers,
Nicky.
March 22, 2016 at 09:30
Have just seen a previous comment, don’t worry about the ยฃยฃ cost! My apologies.
March 22, 2016 at 10:26
Blimey, that is scarey!!
March 22, 2016 at 15:19
This is actually crazy, and hopefully something that legislation in the future will address. In Canada, the bill would have been $0 (just like in Britian). There must be many people who die due to not being insured.
March 22, 2016 at 17:37
Brit, I’m scared right now because I’ve lived my adult life between the UK and Italy. So how can someone like me, with two 4 year olds fit into the american system? Advice me please!
March 22, 2016 at 17:39
How do you mean “fit into the American system”. Do you mean in general, or just about healthcare?
March 22, 2016 at 19:18
The healthcare please.
March 22, 2016 at 19:35
Well you have to make sure you have insurance – and then realize that even with insurance you have some liability – so you have to make sure you save money for that eventuality.
March 22, 2016 at 19:59
Thank you very much.
March 22, 2016 at 18:03
my visa gonna expire on august 26 and i planed to travel to US on may 15…is it ok????
March 22, 2016 at 18:14
Yes, of course.
March 22, 2016 at 18:49
Hi BritSimon!
So, did you regret being in the States and not in Canada, for instance?
March 22, 2016 at 19:33
Not at all. I was fully aware of the pros and cons – and that is all I am saying – just be aware.
March 22, 2016 at 21:43
Dear Britsimon
My wife and me went today to have our medical check unfortunately the doctor said he received new instruction from USA embassy stating that the pregnant women should have chest X-Ray !! Defenetly I refused to let my wife to have the X-Ray because she is pregnant . Did you hear any information regarding that new medical up date instruction ? Please advise because my interview after one week.
March 22, 2016 at 22:13
It isn’t “new”. That has always been the case. Pregnant women get X-Rays, typically using a shield for the lower abdomen. You cannot get medical approval without that being done, and you cannot be approved for the visa without the medical clearance. So – you must choose….
March 23, 2016 at 08:48
Hi Brit – I empathize with you on this tale of medical costs. Hope Mrs Britsimon is feeling better. The challenge is always with emergencies where one has to act in haste – the providers feast on patients’ predicaments with unexpected co-pays etc. For minor or or less urgent treatment one can shop around for the lowest cost, especially for providers within the insurer’s network. I have a question: What happened to your 911 call? In my area of NY, the paramedics would show up at the house in less than 10 minutes of the call and help out with everything while moving the patient to the ER.
March 23, 2016 at 14:01
I did not call 911 – I spoke to our doctor and followed her advice. It was vertigo – so I whilst she was distressed, it wasn’t life threatening.
March 23, 2016 at 09:51
I think this is just ridiculous! They really need to overhaul the entire medical treatment pricing in the US, it absolutely makes no sense. Medical insurance premium is also high due to the system
March 23, 2016 at 13:59
Yes it is a bad system. Despite having the highest spend in the world, they still don’t have universal coverage…
March 24, 2016 at 01:03
hallo britsimon… i hope your wife is doing well…. thanks for guiding us in every aspect.. i just arrived in USA through DV (4 months before) i got a job and my employer offer a health insurance but i am confused choose between HDHP and PPO….
thanks
March 24, 2016 at 01:54
You should discuss the differences between plans with the benefits department in your employer and/or colleagues to get their advice. The HDHP will leave you open to large bills if you need to use the coverage. A PPO plan offers you flexibility, but would be more expensive on monthly premiums.
March 24, 2016 at 16:07
sir, i m going to texas but my entry port is atlanta…where my immigration process will take place??? atlanta or dallas???
March 24, 2016 at 16:51
Atlanta – that is the POE.
March 24, 2016 at 17:18
but the stop is technical stop.
March 24, 2016 at 17:37
I don’t know what you mean by “technical stop”. But – you will be processed in Atlanta.
March 24, 2016 at 16:52
This article can seriously scare people especially dv winners. For only such thing to pay a bill more than $22 K??!!! it’s unbelievable. so what will happen if you come to US and don’t find a job and one day fall sick??? Jesus
March 24, 2016 at 17:09
To be clear – I did NOT have to pay the $22K – I paid a total of around $1600. But you need insurance – either an Obamacare type plan or a temporary cover like those policies that I have recommended – see link below.
The point of the article was to make sure people think about it and plan!
https://britsimonsays.com/health-insurance-for-new-immigrants/
March 25, 2016 at 00:36
what will happen exactly if a patient doesn’t have any money or insurrance ? i know he will get treatment because the us law says so, but what’ll happen afterwards ?
March 25, 2016 at 01:00
Well it varies by state. The law says that someone without ability to pay will be given emergency treatment. That means until the patient is stabilized – that being the bare minimum. So – there are cases where someone will be “stabilized” but need medical treatment ongoing. Take cancer for instance. You aren’t going to get treatment as an emergency – so your chances of survival are limited because you don’t have insurance. Or take something as simple as diabetes. There are many homeless people in the USA that have lost limbs or die through diabetes issues. They are not provided with medicines that would treat the diabetes – and therefore the condition becomes much more serious. Or how about being involved in a car accident. You might get emergency treatment to set a bone – but if you don’t have insurance they are not obliged to give you physiotherapy – so that could affect your longer term recovery.
Now – it you are treated, most hospitals will try and recover that money. Depending on the person they may decide to sue because they can get a court ordered garnishment, which means they can get paid from future wages.
March 26, 2016 at 01:13
Hi Simon !
I received my 2NL couple of hours ago however as I checked the letter in the very first line of the letter when addressing my name it has been appeared as my name Johan Tom followed by last name(Dads name-William) – Johan Tom William
However in the passport its as Dads name(Last name) followed by my name Johan Tom.(Thats how principal applicants name has been appeared in the 2NL.
Please check the below for your reference.
Case Number: XXXXXXXXXX
Principal Applicant Name: William, Johan Tom
Preference Category: DV DIVERSITY
Foreign State Chargeability: XXXXXXXX
If any documents are listed below as incomplete, please present the completed documents at the time of interview.
Case Number: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Applicant Name: Johan Tom William
Beneficiaries: None
Could you please advise the sistuation,
March 26, 2016 at 03:58
It’s fine – I can’t see what you are concerned about.
March 26, 2016 at 05:01
Thanks Simon <3 any way Im planning to have my medical by April 1st week for my May Interviews fine right?
March 26, 2016 at 05:11
That’s fine – although having it so early means your visa will only be valid for less than 5 months….
March 26, 2016 at 05:54
Okay Simon thanks ๐
March 26, 2016 at 02:38
Dear Brit
Can we attend the interview with complete documents except Chest -X – Ray for my pregnant wife until her pregnancy complete at least five months . Noting that she is not completed three month pregnant to avoid the risk
March 26, 2016 at 03:03
Without the xray, your medical approval won’t be granted – and without that you can be interviewed, but not approved. Waiting 5 months will probably ruin the process entirely. You are going to have to decide between the Green Card and your fear of the xray.
March 27, 2016 at 19:43
Hi Brit
Just a clarification
Please nite that I attended my grade 1 to 5 school in a separate school n after grade 5 to 12 I attended another school n I did the ALs there.
So my question is for the schools you have attended question in dv I omitted the grade 1 to 5 school and just added the grade 5 to 12 school.
I added only one school where I studied from grade 5 but I didn’t add the primary studies school from 1 to 5.
Will it be an issue.
March 28, 2016 at 00:58
Probably not, but take documentation of all your education anyway.
March 28, 2016 at 03:46
Ok thanks Simon ?
March 28, 2016 at 05:55
Hฤฑ Sฤฑmon,
I hope she’s feeling better now.
Article you shared with us is just enlightening. Thank you for that.
By the way, do you plan to appeal to this incredibly high cost?
Because as I read from other blogs, people do actually return invoices back to hospital as they not accept these over-charged medical bills. And in response to that hospitals do rebate on the bill.
Is that story real?
March 28, 2016 at 14:19
No I did not appeal – those are the charges – and the insurance company has already settled.
People that appeal are usually uninsured – and in that case the hospital will often negotiate a discount. But I would not want to be uninsured – you can see the cost of a small procedure. I should probably make clear in the article. My exposure per person (onm my plan) is limited to $3500 so – if we had a more serious and expensive medical issue – it would not cost more than that in any one year.
March 28, 2016 at 07:40
Hi brit
My interview on 19 May
I applied for the police clearance n I will be getting the report around 20 April is it ok?
March 28, 2016 at 14:02
Why would that not be OK?
March 28, 2016 at 16:36
Well brit! thought thats too early that why ๐
March 28, 2016 at 17:45
No – not at all.
April 4, 2016 at 05:27
Hi Simon,
Im having medicals this week however Since I used to smoke up weed do they it.
Do they have drug test?
April 4, 2016 at 14:01
THey don’t test for drugs and it doesn’t caused denial unless you are a habitual user and that might cause concern on public charge grounds.
April 4, 2016 at 15:28
No Simon Im not a habitual user and I quit it couple of months ago
April 4, 2016 at 16:42
Oh – because your other message said you stopped a week ago…
April 4, 2016 at 17:22
No actually i quit it couple of moths ago but a week ago had a puff since my friends forced but now im pretty much away with it cause of the the medicals
April 5, 2016 at 03:48
You have an odd definition of stopped.
April 5, 2016 at 17:45
Hi Simon,
I forgot to mention the primary school in the list of the schools attended however i added the higher school.
I am having my interview too soon is it a okay?
April 6, 2016 at 00:36
Yes
April 8, 2016 at 06:57
Hi Simon!
Will it be a problem if the surname and first name jumbled in 2NL and Passport and other Docs.
As per passport Andrew Steve SimonTaufel
As Per 2NL SimonTaufel Andrew Steve.
However whole name is indicated without any typos in all the docs.
Will it cause a problem?
April 8, 2016 at 14:25
There is probably a comma after the SimonTaufel on the 2NL – i.e. SimonTaufel, Andrew Steve. THat would show the entry was correct to match the passport.
April 10, 2016 at 06:10
Oh Yes,
Simon,
Kindly note that I have already submitted the application with the Sponsor s name however now he doesn’t want to send the i134 form it seems.
However luckily I got another Sponser Can I change my sponser at the time of the interview.
Is It okay.
Will it be a problem?
April 10, 2016 at 13:56
No problem.
April 11, 2016 at 04:37
Hi Simon,
Cool.
Kindly note that in my high school final certification and Medicals the Name appears to be jumbled other way around.
e-g:SimonTaufel Andrew Steve
Will it be a problem?
April 11, 2016 at 05:09
No.
April 19, 2016 at 16:06
Hi Brit!
Im dont think I will get an affidavit of support from a US citizen.
Because I have only few friends in the US and they think i 134 form is too complicated with legal US law and stuff.
There for any alternative way to prove my self that I wont be a public charge to US.
But in the embassy checklist affidavit of support i134 is mandatory.
Any suggestions?
April 19, 2016 at 20:28
You can show substantial savings. Depending on the embassy this can be a minimum of $10,000 per adult – but some embassies have been known to ask for more. If your embassy lists the I-134 however, you would be unwise not to provide it.
April 19, 2016 at 21:21
Hi Britsimon,
Thank you for your wonderful work. I need your help once again.
My relatives have invited me over to be their guest in Canada after my entry into the US. In case I decide to visit my them for a short stay up to 1 week, is it possible to use the US immigration visa on the passport as a valid visa-free entry permit into Canada until I receive the actual green card to my address in the US?
April 20, 2016 at 05:25
I don’t know for sure – I would not want to guess how the Canadian immigration would handle that.
April 20, 2016 at 03:56
Hi Brit!
But I do not find any way to get a sponser who could sign for me.
In this scenario can I show the savings $10000.
Can I be 100 sure that they will accept this btw my embassy is srilanka Colombo
April 20, 2016 at 04:58
No – you can only be 100% sure on the day of the interview. They are not “obligated” to accept $10k to satisfy the requirement – it is judged on a case by case basis.
April 20, 2016 at 06:04
Brit
However there is sponser who until 2015 was in USA has 2014 and 2015 IRS transcripts with him and He worked in a big post some director in an International organization in the USA but in 2016 he has been transferred to some other country and working as a director there but he is now paying taxes for other country and not USA.
Will his sponsership work?
April 20, 2016 at 12:56
No.
April 20, 2016 at 06:05
he is no more a usa citizen now also he work in the usa for more than 5 years before
April 20, 2016 at 06:06
?
April 22, 2016 at 04:14
Hi Brit!
Coulc you please let me know Im 23 and a single applicant since im unable to obtain a i-134 form Im gonna show my bank savings.
But I do not have any saving personally whatsoever but my dad is gonna credit my some 10K dollars in my account but I have a question for you since my interview date is nearing will it make a negative impact that it has been credited very lately now in order show the savings purposefully?
April 22, 2016 at 06:17
Possibly, yes.
April 22, 2016 at 06:26
So does that mean showing the savings is a useless idea?
But still at the end of the money has been gifted to me right?
My interview is Next month and and money has been credited.
April 22, 2016 at 06:38
Get a letter from your father saying the money is a non repayable gift to help you in your new life. That should cover the matter.
April 22, 2016 at 08:35
oh thank you will go that ๐
April 23, 2016 at 08:54
Hi brit!
My AL certificate which is from the government is perfectly correct without any typos or mistakes.
But the same AL certificate which is issued by the school got a typo in my surname also they have used correction fluid to change a number.
Will it cause a problem?
As per embassy they requested both Government issued and School issued.
April 23, 2016 at 15:58
No I don’t think it will cause a problem.
April 23, 2016 at 16:00
Thanks <3
April 26, 2016 at 16:45
Hi Simon!
Could you please let me know if you have anyones experience about colombo embassy srilanka and what they really look for ?
April 26, 2016 at 19:35
There are two Colombo stories here:
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
Use CTRL_F to search the page.
April 27, 2016 at 01:09
Thank you Simon ?
April 27, 2016 at 18:44
Hi Simon,
I will be getting the i-134 signed along with 2014 IRS transcript.
Thats enough right?
April 27, 2016 at 18:51
No – the 2015 year has passed – so you should get the 1040 for 2015 and recent payslips. You also need ID for the sponsor.
April 27, 2016 at 18:58
okay but can the sponser get it easily because he told me he has only 2014
April 27, 2016 at 19:07
I don’t know what your sponsor can or can’t do….
April 28, 2016 at 15:43
I mean is it easy to get the transcripts usa or its a complicated task?
April 28, 2016 at 18:14
It’s easy.
April 28, 2016 at 18:36
Thanks Simon <3
May 2, 2016 at 17:49
Has anyone living in Germany won but charged to Austria?
May 2, 2016 at 18:57
Yes of course. Anyone who was born in Austria, but lives in Germany would fit that description!
May 3, 2016 at 07:04
Hi Simon,
i-134 has two separate papers but my my sponser has taken the printout with one paper both side is it ok?
May 3, 2016 at 14:11
Yes
May 4, 2016 at 05:25
Hi Brit ๐
Today I got my medical report from the hospital,they gave me a sealed a4 size envelope which had xay and CD and they told me not to unseal that envelope, and another envelope which had a vaccination report form and it was not sealed.
So in that case, As per the embassy we should bring a photocpoy of the medical reports.
But I cant find any report other than vaccination record form.
Could you please let me what should I do?
May 4, 2016 at 05:30
Take it sealed to the embassy and discuss with them.
May 4, 2016 at 05:37
oh okay Simon ๐